NEW ZEALAND.

Globe, Volume XX, Issue 1636, 19 May 1879, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND.

[per press agency.] Auckland", May 19. The galo abated laßt night after a heavy downpour of rain. The station-house and refreshment room at Mercer, on the Waikafo railway, was d< - stroyed by fire this morning. It is rumori d that Captain Colbeck, of Auckland, will bo called to tha Upper House. WELLINGTON, May 19.

At the Divorce Court to-day nine cases were on the list. Henderson y Henderstn, Auckland, was a curious case, in which the petitioner, a boy of between fourteen and fifteen, alleged he was duped into marriago with a girl of twenty-one. The rule nisi applied for waß grartod, the respondent not appe&ring. Harvey v Harvey, Ohristchurch. In this case the petitioner, a farmer near Southbridge, discovered an improper intimacy between his wife and a hired, man, Alfred Jones, twenty-one years of age. The petitioner and his wife were married in 1869 and hadfhe children. A rule tfisi was granted. A rule absoluto was granted in the following cases: —Matthews v Matthews, Wellington ; Jeffrey v Jeffrey, Ohristchurch ; Digby v Digby and George v George, Wellington. Gas in Railway Carriages.

On Sunday his Excellency travelled by a special train to the Hutl, the carriage being lighted by gas from a gasoline machine Tho arrangement is the work of a local tradesman,

who only succeeded after several experiments. The machine is placed in the luggage ran, and the gas is conveyed hy means of india-rubber tubing. The light was so brilliant that one could read by it eacily in any part of the carriage, which was a saloon one. This is said to be the first instance in which gas been manufactured in the train and burnt in it.

WELLINGKTOtf, May 17.

In the cross action for assault raieed by Anderson against Easby, there was no evidence brought for the defence, and the magistrate said ho oould take no cognisance of the evidence taken in the previous case, and was about to commit Easby also, when his counsel rose to make objection, and asked to be allowed to call evidence for the defence. This was granted, and the case was accordingly adjourned till Tuesday next.

Messrs Hunter and Hutchison were the only candidates nominated to-day for the Mayoralty.

HOEIHKA, May 19. Haffoirty and party in Back Creek have driven 500 feet into the terrace and are well satisfied with the prospect. They have come upon gold, but intend driving a few feet further. There is every probability that these workings will support a considerable number of miners. The Hokitika and Grey Railway. Specifications for sections of the Hokitika and Grey Railway are to be let by contract. Terms will be ready to-day, when tenders will be at once called for. [fjbom oub own cobbespondents.] TIMARU, May 18. James Strachan Draper has called a meeting of his creditors. His liabilities are stated to be over £12,000, but his assets are also large. Samuel Durham, veterinary surgeon, has also failed. Edward Hart, who was found on the beach in an injured state on Wednesday morning, died in. the hospital yesterday. An inqueßt will probably be held. DUNEDIN, May 17.

Two hundred and eighteen persons hare been nominated a» immigrants this month. A young man named George White went into Hislop's jeweller's |shop shortly before eleven, and while the shopman's back was turned stole a quantity of jewellery. He was soon caught, and brought up at the Police Court, then sitting. He was sentenced to three months.

Mr George McLean will address jhis con* stituents on Thursday.

[Press Special Wire.] AUCKLAND, May 17.

The Board of Governors to-day resolved to start evening classes in connection with the Grammar School, commencing immediately. "Nimrod" in his sporting notes to the " Star" says at last there is a probability of Auckland haviDg a stud company, several gentlemen having taken the matter up lately, and who are going into the matter properly. The capital is to be £IO,OOO in a thousand shares of £lO each. In a few days the prospectus will be issued. We may then expect to see a rush for shares, as with proper management it ought to pay at least 20 per cent, per annum. May 18. A fire broke out this morning in the shop of Mr Beardsley, Prince's street. The brigade was promptly on the ground, and but little damage was done. Silver numbers have been issued to members of the police force, to be worn by them on the front of their caps. WELLINGTON, May 17. The Government have declined to alter the holiday for the Queen's Birthday from Saturday to Monday, because, according to the Bank Holiday Act, the 24th May in every year is made a Bank holiday. T. «T. Mountain, grocer, and H. Deverell, photographer, have called meetings of their creditors.

The alleged bigamist Cowan was again brought up, and further remanded till the 23rd.

The Government have received a telegram from Mr Sheehan to the effect that he has started for Kihikihi to conduct some further negotiations with Rewi with the object of arranging for throwing open some additional country, and setting it aside for railway purposes, also with the view of further cementing and improving the alliance with Eewi and hiß tribe.

Attention is still being called to the way in which Mr Mansford, EM., is being overworked, and the necessity for a second magistrate.

Walter Bodman is appointed chief clerk of the Land Tax Office in Auckland.

Another detachment of armed constabulary is to be forwarded to Patea by the first steamer.

The case of Froudfoot and the Dunedin Harbor Board was continued in the Court of Appeal to-day, but not concluded. It was adjourned until Tuesday next. The Divorce Court will be opened on Monday.

May 18.

Mr Creswick had a very full house last night at the Opera Houee, and he and Mrs Darrell, and Miss Ashton, were repeatedly called before the curtain. Mr Creßwick will go to Auckland and give readings probably, after leaving here. INVERCAKGILL, May 17.

Two hundred and forty-one nominations for immigrants have been made at the immigration office, and will be sent home by the outgoing San Francisco mail. They are all of good class. The sale of the Spar Bush estate to-day was a marked success. Gr. F. Martin was the auctioneer. The lots ranged from 200 acres to 360 acres, and all but two were dispoeed of at an average price of a little over £4 per acre. The terms were the most liberal ever offered at a private land sale.